Varanasi – Come Closer to Indian Art, Culture and Religion

Varanasi, which is also known as Kashi or Banaras in situated in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most holy cities for Hindus in India. This holy city is located on bank of the river Ganges, which is again the most religious and respected river in Hindu mythology. Varanasi as a 'Kashi' is derived from the Rigveda (the oldest Hindu scriptrue) meaning "The luminous". Varanasi or Kashi is often called as "city of temples and holy education".

Varanasi is visited by lakhs of people every year due to its art, culture and religious importance. The banks of river Ganges are generally crowded by people because of dense residential structures and temples around it. The city houses almost 100 Ghats (series of steps leading down to water of river or pond) on which, devotees take holy bath. It is believed that bathing with the water of Ganges takes off all your sins and evil spirits. Most of the citizenries also follow holy-bath as daily routine.

The culture of the city is totally religious with strict norms and conditions for religion. Varanasi is famous for the rites performed after death. All the Puja (worshipping technique), Karmakanda (rituals for various duties in the life) and Shraddha (last rites of a person or relative) are performed in unique ways.

Apart from all these religious activities, Varanasi is popular for its unique food. The sweets in this city are rich in taste and are an important part of hospitality for the guests or outsiders. Banarasi Paan (the folded leaf filled with different spices tobacco and sweeteners) notable for its taste and presentation. The Indian women's dress called Banaras Saari is far-famed for its texture and handworks.

Varanasi – The Holy Place

The city is sacred pilgrimage for Hindus of all denomination. More than one million pilgrims visit every year. The city houses the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanatha who is an aspect of Lord Shiva and comes under one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (the places were Lord Shiva is worshipped the most).

Hindus strongly believe that dying in the holy city of Kashi or Varanasi will perform the Moksha (free from the rebirth cycle) for them. Banaras or Varanasi is also worshipped as the way towards the heaven from the earth.

Varanasi – The City of Legends

The city has witnessed many legendaries in Hindu mythology and scriptures. The art and literature has been rich in all contexts. Great Indian writers are originated from this city. Some of them are Kabir, Tulsaidas, Munshi Prem Chand, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia and Hari Prasad Dwivedi. Many of the legendaries established many good universities and other schools where the original Hindu scriptures and religious knowledge is passed on to the disciples.

One who visits the Varanasi is considered to be lucky person among Hindus. It is said that once in a lifetime, one has to visit Kashi to get free from all worries, diseases, sins and other misdeeds of the entire life.

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